DAF reaches irtec landmark for vehicle technicians 27 October 2011

DAF Trucks has reached the milestone of 500 technicians accredited by irtec (the IRTE's technician accreditation programme) since becoming the first truck manufacturer to adopt the scheme throughout its dealer network.

The scheme, which was launched in January this year (2011), assesses the competence of technicians who maintain and repair vehicles in the heavy goods, service and passenger carrying industries, with technician assessments undertaken by the FTA (Freight Transport Association).

"The irtec accreditation scheme, which is fully endorsed by all our dealerships and technicians, is raising standards to the highest possible level across our entire network," comments Tony Shepherd, DAF's aftersales services manager.

"The aim is for all our technicians to receive accreditation over the next two years or so, giving our customers the utmost confidence in our ability to provide a consistently high standard of service," he explains.

Lawrie Alford, FTA's head of automotive, is convinced that regular technical training and assessment of technicians will improve commercial vehicle fleet standards and performance.

"By providing the latest support and resources to this sector, competence-based assessments will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of workshops throughout the UK and provide a clear direction for companies' training requirements," he insists.

The 500th qualified technician was Steve Jones from Ford & Slater Coventry.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
DAF Trucks Ltd

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